Café Summit, the all-day dining brand of Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, invites guests to embark on a rich culinary adventure with Reimagined Filipino Cuisine which is a two-month celebration that highlights heritage, creativity, and personal stories through the inspired dishes of six gifted chefs.
“Every day, a different chef will be featured, presenting a signature dish that embodies their heritage, inspirations, and unique culinary style. Then, on Sundays, we bring all six creations together in a spectacular spread a grand finale that captures the essence of the week’s diverse flavors and heartfelt stories,” shares Ms. Cecille Padilla, Corporate Director for Food & Beverage at Robinsons Hotels and Resorts.
From Monday to Saturday, Café Summit diners across all six branches nationwide can enjoy a featured chef’s signature dish each day providing guests from various regions with a shared yet personal taste of each chef’s culinary creativity.
The weekly lineup includes:
- Chef Mau’s Crispy Lechon Kinunot on Mondays
- Chef Kiko’s Maya-maya, Kahel, at Lukban on Tuesdays
- Chef Ricky’s Chicken Hinatukan on Wednesdays
- Chef Ace’s Braised Shortribs Kinamatisan Ravioli on Thursdays
- Chef Remie’s Beef Bulalo Riyandang on Fridays
- Chef Ernie’s Crispy Handrolled Palabok on Saturdays
On Sundays, guests can indulge in all six dishes in one sumptuous showcase of Filipino culinary innovation.
“Reimagined Filipino Cuisine at Café Summit is a reflection of how Robinsons Hotels and Resorts brings our ‘Hospitality by Heart’ philosophy to life,” says Mr. Barun Jolly, Senior Vice President and General Manager of RHR. “Our goal is to deliver a truly memorable dining experience, made possible by the creativity and heartfelt dedication of our chefs in developing these unique dishes,” he adds.
Featured Chefs and Dishes:
MONDAY: Chef Mau
Maurito “Mau” Dominguez, head chef of Café Summit Galleria Cebu, reimagines two iconic Filipino flavors with Crispy Lechon Kinunot
Crispy Lechon Kinunot is a fusion of Cebu’s iconic lechon and the freshness of the sea. It combines crunchy pork with succulent tuna belly, all simmered in rich coconut milk and enhanced with malunggay leaves creating a hearty, flavorful dish that beautifully blends elements from both land and ocean
TUESDAY: Chef Kiko
At Café Summit Naga, Head Chef Francis “Kiko” Joseph Tugnao presents his dish Maya-Maya, Kahel, at Lukban
Maya-maya, Kahel, at Lukban Blending snapper with fresh pomelo, orange, and sweet saba bananas, this dish delivers a refreshing mix of citrus notes and savory richness inspired by the Philippines’ tropical abundance.
“Maya-maya, Kahel, at Lukban”is my tribute to the vibrant and fresh flavors of the Philippines, featuring familiar and cherished ingredients,” says Chef Kiko. The dish emphasizes the natural sweetness of the snapper, beautifully enhanced by the zest of the fruits.
WEDNESDAY: Chef Ricky
Sous Chef Ricky Norcio adds warmth and soul to Café Summit Tacloban through his comforting dish, Chicken Hinatukan.
Hinatukan This native chicken stew is slowly cooked in creamy coconut milk with lemongrass, ginger, and green papaya, paying tribute to the culinary traditions of Eastern Visayas. The blend of humble, local ingredients results in a hearty and memorable dish.
“This recipe is a taste of home for me. Every bite of my Hinatukan aims to take you back to the warm and welcoming kitchens of Eastern Visayas,” shares Chef Ricky.
THURSDAY: Chef Ace
Executive Chef Arvin Ace Barsaga of Café Summit Greenhills reinvents the traditional Pangasinan dish Kinamatisan by creating his innovative Braised Shortribs Kinamatisan Ravioli
Braised Shortribs Kinamatisan Ravioli This flavorful and indulgent dish showcases tender beef short ribs slow-braised with tomatoes and fragrant spices, complemented by creamy cheeses and fresh kangkong.
“My grandmother and my wife inspire me deeply, as we share a strong passion for cooking and Filipino culinary traditions,” says Chef Arvin. His take on Kinamatisan is a heartfelt expression of his heritage, combining the comfort of family customs with his innovative cooking style.
FRIDAY: Chef Remie
At Café Summit General Santos, Head Chef Remie Malicy fuses two popular Filipino favorites into a daring new dish: Beef Bulalo Riyandang
Beef Bulalo Riyandang Picture the well-loved flavors of bulalo—succulent beef shank, marrow-rich bones, and savory broth—transformed with the rich, fragrant spices typical of Rendang-style cooking
“Beef rendang was the first dish I mastered while in Malaysia, marking the beginning of my culinary path a dish full of culture, spice, and heartfelt flavor. Its complexity made a deep impact on me and influenced how I view cooking. With Beef Riyandang, I’ve reinvented this classic by combining the rich essence of rendang with the bold, lively tastes of Mindanao,” shares Chef Remie.
SATURDAY: Chef Ernie
Head Chef Ernie Baculio of Café Summit Tagaytay puts a fresh spin on the traditional noodle dish palabok by encasing its classic flavors in a delicate, crispy golden shell, creating a bite-sized treat that blends contemporary dining with authentic taste
Crispy Hand-Rolled Palabok gives the traditional noodle dish palabok a modern twist by encasing its familiar ingredients in a thin, golden crispy shell, turning it into a bite-sized delight that’s ideal for contemporary dining while honoring its classic origins
“I aimed to preserve the essence of palabok—its rich, savory taste and comforting feel—while presenting it in a way that sparks interest and curiosity,” says Chef Ernie.
Each dish shares a story that’s deeply personal, rich in flavor, and distinctly Filipino. This two-month culinary experience is sure to captivate guests, food enthusiasts, and adventurous eaters alike. Don’t miss the chance to discover Reimagined Filipino Cuisine at Café Summit, happening from June 9 to August 10, 2025.
About Café Summit:
Café Summit is an affordable casual dining restaurant known for its inviting atmosphere and modern, creative, and eco-conscious cuisine. Guests are welcomed by a warm and attentive team committed to delivering consistent, heartfelt service.
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